Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Peter examines the emotional, professional, and organisational consequences of failed clinical trials. He reflects on the disappointment felt by both participants and staff, the challenges of managing expectations, and the importance of providing continued support. Drawing on practical insight, he reminds us that wh...

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Rebecca explores the emotional impact of academic rejection and the difficulty of separating personal worth from professional critique. Drawing on experiences from education through to journal submission, she offers practical ways to cope: allow yourself to react, lean on support, and regain perspective....

Bernie McInally  narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Bernie reflects on his experience delivering dementia research in the Scottish Borders. Despite common barriers like geography, transport, and limited infrastructure, Bernie describes how community trust, clinical familiarity, and creativity turned challenges into opportunities. He highlights how integrating research...

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog Emily reflects on the challenges of staying on track in her doctoral studies while balancing the demands of parenting. With limited funding time remaining, she outlines the steps she’s taking to pre-empt delays, manage ethics approvals, and write speculatively, highlighting the pressure many face to submit...

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Kam explores whether dementia could be understood as a form of accelerated brain ageing. Drawing on neuropathological evidence and the concept of biological age, she discusses the continuum between normal ageing and neurodegenerative disease, the role of risk and protective factors, and the potential of brain age m...

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Jodi Watt challenges the continued use of the term ‘demented’ in clinical and research contexts. She unpacks the damaging stereotypes it reinforces, explains the real-world harm it causes, and shows how small shifts in language can promote dignity, agency, and inclusion. Jodi makes a compelling case fo...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Yvonne shares her belated discovery of DORA—the Declaration on Research Assessment—and reflects on its origins, aims, and ongoing challenges. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, historical context, and pragmatic critique, she explores why DORA matters in research evaluation, and why so many academics st...

Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this timely and personal blog, Becky urges scientists to take a more active role in defending research from political manipulation and public mistrust. Drawing parallels with the US experience, she argues that UK researchers cannot afford to stay apolitical, and must instead engage with their communities, communica...

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Ajantha reflects honestly on the demanding process of writing a PhD thesis, detailing the unexpected challenges, distractions, and perfectionist pitfalls encountered along the way. From severely underestimating the complexity of making figures, to handling late-stage data reanalysis and navigating life distractions, Ajantha’s account...

Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Emma Law shares her experience working with clinical research teams across Scotland. She reflects on the key qualities that make a team successful—thorough preparation, mutual respect, clear communication, and the pivotal role of the coordinator. With practical examples and real-life stories, Emma highlights...

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Clíona reflects on the step-by-step process of getting her first first-author data paper published. Drawing on a project that began during her PhD and continued into her postdoc, Clíona highlights the many layers of work involved – from early authorship discussions to final submission and revisions. He...

Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In his first blog for Dementia Researcher, Dr Peter Connelly highlights the pivotal role memory clinics play in dementia clinical research. Despite often being perceived as distinct from everyday practice, he argues that the overlap between routine cognitive assessments and trial protocols offers an opportunity for better integra...

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this guest blog, Adam challenges the scepticism around “personal branding” by reframing it as a tool for clarity rather than self-promotion. Drawing from personal anecdotes and practical advice, he explains how early career researchers can shape how they’re perceived by being deliberate in how they show up, online and in person. With...

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Rebecca offers a pragmatic guide to everyday tech that can support academic work. From AI tools like ChatGPT and Elicit, to reference managers and visual design hacks in PowerPoint, she explores how to navigate, adopt, and balance new digital tools. Rebecca also champions the use of social media platform...

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In her new blog, Emily shares how a writing retreat provided a vital lifeline during a difficult time balancing research and parenting. Amid exhaustion, doubts, and a heavy workload, Emily found renewed confidence, rest, and extraordinary productivity during three days of silent writing. Her honest reflection highlights...

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Adam shares practical and honest advice on networking in research. Drawing on personal experiences and real-life examples, he breaks down the awkwardness of making the first move, highlights the power of casual conversations, and encourages early-career researchers to embrace small, meaningful interactions. His message is...

Jacqui Kerr narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In her first guest blog, Jacqui Kerr from the Neuroprogressive & Dementia Network offers a personal and insightful glimpse into her role as a clinical trial coordinator. With nearly two decades in Alzheimer’s research, Jacqui reflects on the complexity and rewards of her work, highlighting the critical importance of communication,...

Jennifer Bray narrates her & Dr Teresa Atkinson's blog written for Dementia Researcher. Jennifer & Teresa reflect on the unexpected hurdles they faced while evaluating a new staff role in a housing scheme. From construction delays and staff resignations to illness and data collection issues, their blog highlights the reality of conducting research in real-world settings. They share how fle...

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Kamar examines the rapid rise of generative AI and its complex impact on academia and higher education. Reflecting on her own teaching experience and changes within the sector, she explores how universities and researchers are grappling with questions of academic integrity, innovation, and ethical use. From concerns about studen...

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog, Jodi offers essential advice for crafting a conference abstract that gets noticed. From understanding your audience and refining your pitch to managing submission logistics, Jodi shares candid insights, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for making every word count. Whether you're a first-tim...

Dr Yvonne Couch , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this practical blog, Yvonne shares personal insights and lessons learned from her own journey writing fellowship applications. From figuring out the right time to apply, to choosing a niche research idea and navigating funding options, Yvonne offers encouragement, honesty, and a few cautionary tales — including a k...

Bernie McInally  narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this updated blog, Bernie McInally examines the heightened dementia risk among LGBTQ+ individuals, driven by factors like minority stress, social isolation, and health inequalities. Drawing on the latest ENRICH Scotland care home survey, he reveals the lack of structured LGBTQ+ support and calls for targeted action—through trai...

Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog, Ajantha provides an exclusive look into the inner workings of an Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK) grant review panel. Highlighting the structured and rigorous process of evaluation, Ajantha outlines key criteria considered essential by reviewers such as feasibility, innovation, training environment, and impact planning. Th...

Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. This time Becky's blog addresses the complex but essential role of mentorship in career and leadership development, particularly within academia. She underscores the importance of selecting mentors suited to specific professional needs, such as grant writing, overcoming imposter syndrome, or navigating career transiti...

Yasmin Bonsu , narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog Yasmin discusses her emotional journey after securing an unexpected teaching job offer post-graduation. Initially conflicted, she explores the notion of success beyond rigid expectations, realising that unplanned paths can offer profound personal and professional growth. Yasmin emphasises the value of teachi...